Welcome to our third member of the month interview! When selecting a member of the month for Academic Grappling, we look for effort, empathy, personal improvement, and someone who inspires others through their authentic interactions. We are thrilled to have Kri this month! As member of the month, Kri was allowed to wear the much-coveted AG Belt, sign the back of it, and have a polaroid printed and hung on the wall of the gym. Learn more about our friend Kri below:

1.How long have you been training BJJ?

Spring of 2019.

2.Why did you join Academic Grappling?

It’s an environment that makes me feel safe.

3.What’s your favorite part of being a member of Academic?

Supportive collective energy.

4.What is currently your favorite technique in Jiu-Jitsu? 

Framing .

5.How do you define success?

Drive Discipline Determination Dedication .

6.Who inspires you, in Jiu-Jitsu or any other aspect of your life?
Anyone with a disability, but doesn’t let it stop them from pursuing their happiness and what lights their soul on fire.

7. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

It’s like jumping into a pool of cold water just stick with it you’ll get used to it and love it.

8. Do you have any fun/funny stories from your time training BJJ?

Trying to Transition into a technique and slipping on someone’s sweat it turning into a slapstick comedy.

9.What is your favorite book of all time? Why?

Human Design. It’s helped me realize my true inner power
10.What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

I’ve been cultivating a legacy for myself during my time in mixed martial arts. 

11.What’s the last book you read?

Do-it-Yourself Herbal Medicine.

12.What’s something you love to do outside of work or training?

I research different depictions of energy.

13.If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Tacos/sushi.

14 .What’s one thing about you that you feel really sums up who you are as a person?

No matter the circumstances, I keep my chin up and I keep moving. I have a tenacious heart.

15. Anything else you feel we should know about you?

I encourage everyone to start using the hashtag #teamnopockets

When I first joined Brazilian jiu-jitsu, I found out that you shouldn’t wear pockets very quickly. I decided to make hashtag and joke about it. At the time the only search for it was women’s dresses with pockets so I wanted to take a turn and put it in a different direction focusing on mixed martial arts.

#TeamNoPockets